THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 1906. A FOREWORD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 1, 26 October 1906, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 1906. A FOREWORD.

The experience of the' world has proved that the growth and stability of a healthy public opinion is fostered and guided by a temperate, yet vigorous Press., It is at once the exponent, ' guardian, and counsellor of the people. In crises of stress, when passion might usurp the moderation of common sense, it is the of the Press to keep a clinical finger on the public pulse, and if the indications read the high fever which recks not of consequence to administer sedatives; but should'the symptoms be anaemic decay, to prescribe the stimulants of an optimistic hope in the future. A Press, recognising its position, ought not to champion either caste'or class, and while conceding their privileges to all, watch that the claims of none are abused; and its motto should be: " The greatest good for the greatest number." Antithetically the Press owns prerogatives it dare not ignore; where wrongs need righting, or manias and -fads assume proportions the occasion does not, warrant, it enjoys the unwritten,voower to- arise in its might and grapple with the evil, and jassjjrt the i status that though..our Asmjitioris are based on majority fuie,i the minority also has rights wjtuch no I dbrspeptktmay tkAite.

In short, the Press stands in loco .parentis. It is the intention of the King Country Chronicle to take ilp this position and assume its responsibilities while its family is yet young and assist in the formation and development of its tendons, and be able to retrospect from a prosperous future, that these fine proportions were the result of its massage and nurture. The King Country and its possibilities are not known to the outside world as they ought to be, hence it will be the duty of the K.C.C. to i disseminate that knowledge, in such a manner that those that run must read; and if those who read do not run to secure the most eligible chances, there is no truth in the cry that the nation is perishing of. earth-hunger. The King Country—or more properly, the Rohe Potae—is eminently equipped to sustain a large and flourishing population. Its land is fertile; its scenic attractions varied and pleasant, and its climate temperate and healthy. Yet it has it defects, which, and their remedy, it will be the duty of the Chronicle to point out in detail as the clamour of their importunity shall demand, and for which it begs its clientele's kindly co-operation. It ,may not be out of place if we cursorily indicate some of its most pressing claimants for redress: —Greater expedition in Native land settlement, and roads; not hap-hazardcattle tracks, nor incipient patches of road, beginning and ending, goodness knows where; but roads, that our pioneers may get to and from their holdings. And we take this opportunity, to inform these heroes of civilisation that. we shall make the amelioration of their disabilities a first charge on our efforts; for if there is one membef^of. the Empire who deserves our salute,; and whose uniform we respect, it is the Warrior in dungaree pants, who seeks the giants of creation over unbridged rivers and unroaded ranges, in their unapproachable fastnesses and smites them hip and thigh with his axe, that those of lesser verve may follow, and who, before the fruition of his battle is assured him, worries his distracted soul in the wonder to what degree tyrannical socialistic impertinence will tamper with his life's labours. Another nettle which will have to be grasped with both hands — peradventure without gloves—is the iniquitous deprivation of His Majesty's loyal European King Country subjects of the rights of Local Option, by which they are deliberately disfranchised by an authority as mythical as the roc's egg. Let us not be misunderstood: we are not asking for public houses; we are not anxious to introduce drunkenness within our borders; what sets our people's teeth on edge is the degradation of espionage; that be he citizen or settler, he is exposed to the indignity of an inquisitorial investigation into the privacy of his gladstone, satchel, or parcel, at any time the constable may be that way inspired. Our people justly complain of, and protest against the monstrous fact that they were induced to settle in the Rohe Potae to to be compulsorily outlawed; and that neither by vote of Local Option, No Licence, or other channels may declare whether they will submit to this ghastly infliction! It is un-British tyrannical, aad unspeakably Russian, and more will be heard of it in its season. But that which overshadows all else, is the dilatoriness with which Native land transactions are hampered. This is a complaint with-which we may say we emphatically intend to identify, ourselves. It is the intention of the K.C.C. to advocate the best interests of settlers, business men, and all the various units,, who, in the near future, will seek to benefit by the advantages which the Rohe Potae offers to the progressive. Every useful endeavour will receive our prompt attention. To that end we invite correspondence per the medium of our pages, and the large circulation we hope to acquire will enable us to reach the wants of every part of the district. The King Country is practically unbroken ground, hence <it is our ambition to assist at its culture. We do not intend to cumber our pages with telegraphic news of the outside world. Auckland distributes two admirable weeklies in which that requisite is abundantly catered for. On the contrary, our desire is to keep in touch with the requirements of our pioneers—whatever their calling—to be their voice, comforter and friend. And now a word to our Maori friends: —We would extend to you the hand of cordial fellowship. It will be our pride td see you take your place beside us in the march of progress. We frankly admit that we are the dominant race, by virtue of a treaty whose stipulations we have not literally complied with in the past; and that its long chain of attendant mistakes have estranged your faith in our sincerity. But is it not possible to forget and forgive, and begin anew? In the forced marches of our time, the goal is for the willing and strong. Our heart goes out to you in your many distresses, and it will be the pleasure of the K.C.C. to supplement all your legitimate ambitions with an active and sympathetic support Just a final word to all our friends, present, and yet to be:—lt is not permitted that man may predict: such shall be his fate on the morrow; neither may he tell of failure or success; but happen whatmay, we are sustained under the burden of our venture in the faith that the King Country will extend to us its loyal assistance, and generously condone our short comings. And in the years yet to be, and our desires attain to. consummation, we want to feel that our friendship has been mutual, and that our endeavour to supply profit and pleasure, has not been in vain. : Tenakoutou.